Bill allowing gun-shop lawsuits defeated
April 7, 2005
BY BEN FISCHER Sun-Times Springfield Bureau
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SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House defeated another gun control bill
supported by Mayor Daley Wednesday, continuing the National Rifle
Association's long winning streak at the Capitol.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Robert Molaro (D-Chicago), would have
allowed gun violence victims to sue gun dealers. The proposal could only
muster 48 "yes" votes, well short of the 60 needed to pass.
Under the bill, a dealer would be liable in a suit only if it sold the
gun to a person it knew would use it illegally, or a so-called "straw
purchaser" who's buying the weapon for someone else who is banned from
gun ownership.
Sponsor defensive of bill
Opponents said the proposal, House Bill 3849, would make legitimate gun
store owners subject to frivolous lawsuits by making them have to defend
a purchase they had no reason to believe could lead to crime.
Molaro called it "idiotic" for lawmakers to automatically vote against
any gun control bill that comes along.
"That slippery slope argument just upsets me to no end," he said. "When
they start making that argument I almost want to throw up. They make
that argument when they have nothing else."
In other action, the House approved a plan to standardize a training and
certification program for retired police officers who are allowed to
carry concealed weapons.
April 7, 2005
BY BEN FISCHER Sun-Times Springfield Bureau
Advertisement
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House defeated another gun control bill
supported by Mayor Daley Wednesday, continuing the National Rifle
Association's long winning streak at the Capitol.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Robert Molaro (D-Chicago), would have
allowed gun violence victims to sue gun dealers. The proposal could only
muster 48 "yes" votes, well short of the 60 needed to pass.
Under the bill, a dealer would be liable in a suit only if it sold the
gun to a person it knew would use it illegally, or a so-called "straw
purchaser" who's buying the weapon for someone else who is banned from
gun ownership.
Sponsor defensive of bill
Opponents said the proposal, House Bill 3849, would make legitimate gun
store owners subject to frivolous lawsuits by making them have to defend
a purchase they had no reason to believe could lead to crime.
Molaro called it "idiotic" for lawmakers to automatically vote against
any gun control bill that comes along.
"That slippery slope argument just upsets me to no end," he said. "When
they start making that argument I almost want to throw up. They make
that argument when they have nothing else."
In other action, the House approved a plan to standardize a training and
certification program for retired police officers who are allowed to
carry concealed weapons.
